Liquid-dispensing apparatus



May 3 1927.

I 1,627,115 L. H. PIETZSCH LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Marh 11.1927 4 Sheets-Sheets navy May 3'. 1927.

. 1,627,1 15 L. H. PIETZSCH LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed March 11.1927 4 Sheets-$116M 4 .Ziacrenfo? .22.. Piei'z s k Patented lVlay 3,1927.

UNITED STATES LOUIS HENRI PIETZSCH, OF COBTJ'IRG,

EELBOURNE; vrcroarA, AUs'raALIA.

LIQUID-DISPENSING APIABATUS.

Application filed March 11, 1927, Serial No.

This invention relates to apparatus for measuring and dispensing petroland other liquids wherein the liquid is pumped from a storage tank orreservoir to an elevated measuringchamber from which the desiredmeasured quantity is delivered by gravity.

More particularly the invention refers to machines of the classindicated whereby two or more different grades. brands or, species ofliquid maybe measured and delivered from the same apparatus orinstallation without mixing or contamination of the respective liquidsduring the passage thereofvide certain improvements in liquid measuringand dispensing machines whether adapted for measuring and dispensing asingle liquid or species of liquid or a plurality of different grades orspecies as above mentioned.

The various features of the invention will however, be more fully setforth and defined in the following description and the appended claims.a

Referring to the drawings which form part of this specification 2-Figure v1 is a part sectional side elevation of apparatus according tothis invention.

. Figure 2 is a part sectional front view of the apparatus.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional plan on a larger scale. takenapproximately on the line IIL-TII in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of a distributary drain valve andassociated parts.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of a swival connection between aliquid serve valve casing and a discharge tube. V

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side view of mechanism for actuating ameasuring and owl-flow tube, a serve valve and certain co-' relatedparts.

Figure 7 1s a view-looking at the left hand side of Figure 6.

Figure 8 IS a plan of Figure 6. Figure 9 IS a vertical section of themeasur- 174,e44, and in Australia December 18, 1825.

ing chamber showing counting mechanism adapted to record the amount ofliquid dispensed from the chamber.

Figure 10 is a vertical section of the measuring chamber and internalarts in a plane at right angles to that of igure 9.

Figure 11 is a plan of Figure 10..

Figure 12 is a broken view in elevation of interlocking mechanism forpreventing fraudulent manipulation of the apparatus.

Figure 13 is a side view of certain parts of the mechanism seen inFigure 12.

Figure 14 is a View similar to Figure 13 but showing the interlockingmechanism in another position.

Figure 15 isa'plan of the parts seen in the lower portion of Figure 12.a i

Figure 16 is a fragmentary side view of the interlocking mechanismincorporating a supplementary locking device.

Figure 17 is a plan of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is an enlarged fragmentary front view of an indicating bar. 4The invention may be applied to an insta'llation embodying the usualelevated measuring chamber 2 .which' may be constructed of glass orprovided with an observation window and is mounted upon 'a suitablestand or supporting frame 3 carryingcasings 4E and 5 which enclosevarious parts of the apparatus beneath the measuring chamber 2*.

One or more pumps 6 of any suitable construction may be employed thenumber of pumps depending upon the number of liquids of species ofliquids to be raised into the elevated measuring chamber. The pumps arepreferably arranged within the lower part of the frame or stand '3 asshown but may, if desired, be installed at a distance from the measuringchamber, as for example within or adjacent a garage or like buildingwith which the apparatus is associated. In either case the pumps may beoperated either manually or by power, in the former case operatinghandles 6 being provided outside the casings 4:, 5.

A supply pipe 7 leads to each pump from an underground or other storagetank not shown, a separate and independent storage tank or reservoirbeing provided for each supply pipe which passes upwardly from therespective pump to the measuring chamber 2" and is preferably fittedadjacent the pump with a suitable filter 8 (Fig. Eaeh supply pipe 7 isadapted to deliver its respective liquid into the measuring chamber 2either at'the top thereof by way of inlet ports 7, as indicated in thedrawings, or

through the bottom of said chamber as desired.

Interposed in each supply pipe between its upper or delivery end and therespective pump is an inlet valve casing '9 accommoating an inlet valve11 (Fig. 3) which is normally held against a seating 12 by means of aspring 13 to thereby cut oil the supply of liquid through'the respectivesupply pipe to the measuring chamber. The stem 14 of each inlet valvepasses slidably through a gland 17 of the valve casing and is providedat its outer end with a domed or like head 19. i

The inlet valve 11 are operated by means of tappet arms or cams 21 on atransverse spind e 22 whichcarries at one end an operating hand wheel orthe like23, and indicating members 24 each of which bears an indicatmgcharacter or mark denoting the respective liquid which is supplied tothe measuring chamber when the particular indicating member 24 isbrought into register with a stationary indicating mark 26 on the frameof the machine as seen in Figure 2. Two of the tappet arms or cams 21are mounted on the spindle in suitable radial positions, each of saidarms or cams bein adapted to selectively engage the heads 19 of twoopposite inlet valve stems 14 so that only one of said'inlet valves maybe opened at any one time-according to the position of the hand wheel 23and the tappet arms or cams 21. Each of these arms is preferablyprovided at its outer end with a roller 27 to engage the heads 19 of theinlet valve spindles. It will be evident fromthe foregoing that only oneliquid or species ofliquid may be supplied to the measuring chamber atany one time.

The s indle 22 also carries a distributary drain va ve 28 which mayinclude a cylindrical valve casing 31 accommodating a cylinrical valve32, said casing and valve being provided with outlet ports 33, 34. Thevalve casing also has an inlet port 33 and the valve :1 series ofcircumferentially spaced inlet ports 34 whereby a liquid draining backfromthe measuring chamber through a stationary return pipe36 and intothe interior of the drain valve 32 may be returned to its proper storagetank by way of drain pipes 37 which lead from the valve casing 31 to thevarious storage tanks and thus convey the 'diflerent liquids back totheir respective tanks without mixing. The drain valve casing may besupported by arms 35 (Fig. 3) which are suitably secured at their outerends to the framework 3". v

Extending into the measuring chamber 2 is a vertically adjustableoverflow tube 38 which passes slidably through a liquid tight gland 38at the bottom of the measuring chamber. This vertically slidable tubepermits the excess liquid to escape .from the measurin chamber whencharging the. lat- 'ter, and a so functions to measure the quantity ofliquid retained within the measuring chamber according to the positionof said tube, and to drain any surplus liquid from the measuring chamber'to the distributary drain valve and thence back to the proper storagetank by way of the drain ipes 37 when the sliding tube is lowered. T 1elower end of the slidlng tube is adapted to telescope within thertationary'return pipe 36, suitable means such as a gland 39 beingprovided to form 'a liquid tight joint between the two tubes. It will beevident from the foregoing that when one of the inlet valves 11 is opento permit the desired liquid to pass into the measuring chamber thecorresponding ports of the distributary drain valve 32 will at the sametime beopened to permit the surplus liquid passingt'rom the measuringchamber through the sliding overflow tube 38 to return to its proper'storage tank by way of the appropriate drain- 3' position and has thusdrained all liquid from the bottom of the measuring chamber, a suitableinterlocking mechanism is provided. This interlocking mechanismpreferably comprises a notched wheel 41 which is fixed to thedictributary drain valve spindle 22 and is provided in its peripherywith a series of circumferentially spaced notches or pockets 42, saidnotches being of substantially V shape and corresponding in number withthe number of pumps 6 and supply pipes 7 with which the machine isfitted. The notches 42 are also suitably positioned to .coincide withthe outlet ports 34 in the distributary drain valve 32, the inlet ports34 of which are so arranged that an inlet port will register with theinlet port 33 of the valve casing at every fixed position of the valve,32.

Suitably secured to a bracket 40 on, and moving with, the slidingoverflow tube 38 is a vertical stop bar 43 having near its lower end arecess 44 which is adapted, when the overflow tube and the bar 43 are intheir lowest or draining position, to accommodate the projecting end ofa loekin lever or pawl 46 (see Figs. 12't0 15). T is locking lever ispivotally connected by an arm or link 47 with a second locking lever orpawl 48 the projecting end of which is adapted to enter the notches 42in the wheel 41, and is 22 carrying the distributary drain valve, and

the arms or cams 21, are normally locked against rotation by means ofthe locking lever 48 engaging one of the notches on the wheel 41 so thatthe drain valve and inlet valves 11 can only be operated when theoverflow tube 38 and the stop bar 43 are in their lowermost positionwhere the locking 'lever 46 permitted to enter the recess 44. in thesaid stop bar and the second locking lever 48 is thus free to disengagefrom the respective notch of the wheel 41 consequently allowing thelatter to be turned v'ith the spindle 22 so as to open any dethe partsdisposed beneath it, a pivoted subsidiary stop 51 (Figs. 16 and 17) maybe employed. This pivoted stop may be weighted so as to operate bygravity and normally lies in the path of the locking lever or pawl 46 asindicated by broken lines in Figure 16, thus preventing forward movementof this locking lever so as to release the other locking lever 48 fromthe notches in the wheel 41. \Vhen, however, the vertically moving stopbar 43 dexccnds with the overflow tube it forces the pivoted stop 51 outof the way of the locking lever 46 as indicated by broken lines inFigure 16 thus per-. mitting this locking lever to enter the recess 44in the stop bar 43 so as to release the locking lever 48 from therespective notch of the wheel 41 when the latter turned by means of thehand wheel 23. A fixed stop 50 may be provided to limit the gravityswinging of the pivoted stop 51.

In order to prevent fraudulent manipulation of the inlet and drainvalves by lowering the overflow tube and the stop bar 43 so as torelease the interlocking gear whereby the spindle 22 may be turned, andthen quickly returning the overflow tube to an elevated position thuspermitting the liquid within the measuring chamber to be drained back tothe storage tank of a di'll'erent liquid,

I einploy a. secondary locking device which 'ositively preventsmanipulation of the inet and drain valves until the. measuringchamber'is empty. This secondary lockiin device comprises a float (Figs.9 to 11 which is disposed within the measuring chamber and is adapted tomove vertically along a rod or line 53 which passes through a verticalpassage in the float. This rod or line carries at its lower end a discor stop 54 and is attached at its upper end to one end of anintermediately pivoted balance lever 56 which is'suitably supportedadjacent the top of the measuring chamber. T0

the other end of this balance lever is attached the upper end of a rodor line 57 which carries at its lower end a sliding stop or plunger 58(Figs. 1, 1'2 and 15). This plunger is adapted to move vertically withina guide 59 which also slidably a-cconnnodates the vertically moving stopbar 43. The plunger or stop 58 is normally disposed in the path of thelocking lever 4-6 beside the stop bar -13 as indicated in Figs. 12 and15, 7 thus positively preventingforward movement of the locking lever 46and consequent disengagement ot' the second lockinglever 4.8 from thenotches in the wheel 41. \Vhen,

however, the measuring chamber empties and the float consequentlyfallsand engages the stop or disc 54, the additional weight of the floaton the line or rod 53 overcomes the weight of the plunger 58 andconsequently raises the latter out of the path it of the pawl 40 therebyallowing the latter to enter the recess 44 in the stop bar 4 so that thelocking lever may slip out of the notchcs 4:2 in the wheel 41. Thelatter wheel operate the inlet and drain valves as previously mentioned.V

Mounted to turn and slide in bearings til 'lllCll may be carried by themachine frame 3" is a horizontal shaft (32 (Figs. 1, 2, t3, 7,

8) carrying at one end an operating hand wlnel or the like (33}. Thisshaft carries a toothed pinion (i4 engaging a rack 66 which may beattached by the bracket 40 to the vertically sliding overflow tube 38whereby the latter may be raised and lowered by operation of the handwheel 63.

This shaft 62 also carries a cone 6b which converges lengthwise of theshaft (32 in the 'whereby its length may be adjusted. The

upper end of this rodmay pass through a l gland at the bottom of a servevalve or discharge valve casing 76 disposed at the bottom of themeasuring chamber 2 around a discharge opening therein as seen inFig. 1. This discharge opening is controlled by a I serve or dischargevalve 78 which may be actuated by a spring 79 to normally close the saiddischarge opening. The serve valve 78 is preferably of the mushroom typeand is. adapted to be raised and lowered with the I vertically slidingrod 73 whereby the serve valve 78 is opened when the shaft 62 ispulledoutwardly thus engaging the cone ($8 with the lower end of the rod73 and consequently raising the latter and. opening the serve valve. 1

The serve valve casing is provided with 'a diagonally disposed branch 77which is threaded to engage the inner end of a socket 81 (seeFi 5) theouter end of which is may be thus turned with the spindle 22 to providedwith a gland 82 through which passes a. swivclling tube 83. Thisswivelling tube passes outwardly through an opening in the casing Pl".the swivelling tube 8;) is an elbow 96 which is adapted for connectionas at 8? (Fig. l) to the flexible diseharge hose 8h through which theliquid is discharged from the measuring chamber. It will be evident thatthe switching tube permits the said elbow and the discharge hose to bemoved in any desired direction relative to the socket 81. The num ralsS4, are employed in Figure. 5 to indicatea washer and suitable packinginserted between the swivelling tube and the socket and gland. 3

. Attached at its upper end to the bracket 40 and moving vertically withthe overflow tube 38 is a bar 91 (Figs. 1, 6 and 7) carrying notchedplates 92 which are so spaced along the bar 91 that the distancesbetween the notches 92 in said plates correspond to predeterminedmeasures, such as gallons,

in accordance with the markings on the 'As the indicating bar 99v movesvertically Y with' the sliding overflow tube, the position usualindicator 93 (Fig. within the measuring chamber 2. The matches 91 of thebar 91 are substantially V shaped and are adapted for engagement by thesimilarly shaped end of a pivoted ca ch or pawl 94 which is pressed.into the notches by means of a spring 96, (Figs. 6, 7 and 8). Attachedto the rotatable and sliding shaft 62 adjacent the catch 94 is a collaror enlargement .97. \Vhen the catch 94 is engaged with one of thenotches of the bar 9.1 and the upper end of the sliding overflow tube isconsequently disposed at one of its proper predetermined measuringpositions, the collar or enlargement 97 on the shaft 62 is free to movepast said catch so that the serve valve 78 may be opened by theengagement of the cone 68 with the lower end of the rod 73 as previouslymentioned. In this position the pinion 64 is disengaged from the rack 66so that the overflow tube cannot be moved whilst the serve valveis open.Whilst said serve valve is open and the liquid is thus being deliveredfrom the measuring chamber, thecollar 97 also prevents the catch 94 frombeing disengaged from the respective notch of bar 91 so that theoverflow tube is positively locked at the desired measuring positionwhilst serving liquid from the measuring chamber. When, however, thesliding and rotatable shaft 62 is pushed back to engage the pinion 64with the rack 66- it dis-engages the eone 68 from the rod 73 thusclosing the serve valve.- In this position the front end 98 0f collar 97is moved past the catch 94 as shown in Figs. 6and 8, so that whenthe.shaft 62 is again turned to operate therack 66 and thus move theoverflow tube and the notched bar 91 into another predeterminedmeasuring position in accordance with the spacing of the notches of theFitted to the outer end of bar 91, the catch 94 is free to disengagefrom the respective notch when the bar 91 moves vertically and the catchis thus forced outwardly by the inclined side of the respective notch.It will be evident that by this means the serving of lii uid from themeasuring chamber can only be eti'cctcd when the catch 94 is engagedwith one of the notches of the bar 91. Consequently no serving of theliquid from the n'ieasuring chamber 2" can take place with the overflowtube and the notched-bar 91 in any intermediate position between theproper predefermined measur- 1 mg positions} A roller suitably supportedfrom the frame 3 may be provided to guide thenotched bar 91 in itsvertical movement. p

Attached to the bracket/4O is an indicating bar 99 (Figs. 1 2, 6, 8, 12and 18) having ndicating; numbers 100 spaced vertically thereonm-a'ecordance wifh the vertical spacing of the notchesin the bar 91 Thisindicating bar-nioves vertically behind an opening-onwindow (not shown)in the casing 4.

of the later in accordance with the desired measure is indicated by thenumbers 100 11 and the distributary drain valve 28 against manipulation.'Whe'n hoWever, the

measuring chamberQ einpties a striker 104.

on the float [operated line or rod- 57 (which is automatically raised bythe action of the float 52 and associated stop 54 as before mentioned)shifts the pivoted indicator arm 103 so that it displays the word Changethrough the said co-aligned windows thus indicating that the'inle't ,anddrain valves may if required, be moved by the operating hand wheel 23=toanother position to measure and d'eliver a different liquid. The raisofthe. .plunger.-58"'1ear of the aforesaid lock lever 46. On'end of thepivoted indicator may be apertli ied or forked to freely pass the line57 and' ito provide a striking surface for the striker 104.

The float 52 is moun'ted'to rise and fall upon a frame 106 (which-maycomprise uprights and lower and upper cross bars) disposed .within themeasuring chamber 2.

The float-is adapted to turn bodily with this frame, for a purposehereinafter explained,

- line or rod 57 also liftsthe,

about lower and upper vertical trunnions 107, 108. The lower trunnion107 may upstand from the base of the measuring chamframe 106 and floatis effected through the medium of an arm 1141 outstanding from i theupper cross bar of said frame 106 and connected by a link 116 with arocker arm 117 fixed to the upper end of a rod 118' which passesdownwardly out of the base of the measuring chamber, the upper portionof this rod being freely accommodated by the standard 111 which ishollow as shown in the drawings. The lower endof the rod 118 has anotherrocker arm 119 (see Figs.- 6, 7 and 8) which is pressed by a spring 121against the aforesaid cone 68 on the rotary and slidable spindle 62.Carried by the float 52 are oppositely inclined fins or projections 122which, when the serve valve 7 8 is open to discharge the liquid from themeasuring chamber, are adapted to engage. vertically spaced pins 123 ona vertical rocking spindle 124 which is disposed within the measuringchamber and is provided at its upper end withan arm 126 adapted tooperate a meter or counter 127, whereby the aggregate measured quantityof liquid delivered from the measuring chamber by way of the serve valveand the discharge hose 88 is recorded. \Vhen the serve valve is openedthe cone 68 upon' thev shaft 62 swings the spring pressed rocker arm 119outwardly and, through the medium of the vertical rod 118 and theassociatedro cker arm 117 and link 116, causes the float to be turnedinto such a position that the fins 122 upon the float are disposed inthe path of and successively operate the pins 123 upon the verticalspindle 124 which is thus rocked from side to side to operate thecounter or meter 127. When, however,

the serve valve 78 is closed and the cone .68 is retracted from therocker arm 119 the spring associated with the latter causes the frame106 and the float 52 to be swung about their trunnions 107, 108, so thatthe fins on the float are disposed out of the path ofth'e pins 123 andconsequently the rising and falling of the float does not'actuate themeter.

The aforesaid rod or line 57 attached to the balance lever 56 andcarryin the plunger 58 may pass freely through the iollow standard 112within the measuring chamber, the top of this standard, and also that ofthe hollow standard 111 before referred to, be-

ing disposed above the level to which the chamber,

liquid is pumped into the measuring chamber for dispensing the greatestvolume. Consequently there is no possibility of the liquid escaping fromthe measuring chamber through said hollow standards.

It will be evident that the supply pipes 7 will remain filled withliquid up to approximately the bend 7 where they enter the measuringchamber. In order to prevent such liquid from dripping into themeasuring chamber, owing to expansion of the liquid which may resultfrom relatively high temperature, a small return tube 131 may extenddownwardly and preferably within each supply pipe from a point at asuitable distance below the bend 7", these return tubes passing out ofthe inlet valve casings 9'and being connected at their lower ends to therespective drain pipes 37, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 4, so that theliquid cannot rise beyond the open tops of the return tubes except whenthe pumps 6 are being operated, but will return through said tubes tothe respective storage tanks by way of the appropriate drain pipes 37.

It will be evident from the foregoing that various features of theinvention, such, for instance, as the sliding and rotatable shaft 62 andthe associated parts for operating the serve valve 78and the rack 66 andfor engaging the notched bar 91, as well as the mechanism for recordingthe quantity of liquid served from the measuring. chamber and forrendering such recording mechanism inoperative, are equally applicableto machines for measuring and dispensing either a single liquid or aplurality of different liquids or species thereof. It will also beevident that in applying the invention to machines for measuring and.dispensing a single grade or I claim as new and desire'to secure byLetters Patent is 1. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petroland other liquids the combination of a measuring chamber, a series ofindependent liquid supply pipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valvein each supply pipe for separately controlling the admission of liquidthrough each of said supply pipes "to the measuring chamber, avertically adjustable overflow tube passing into said a distributarydrain valve connected with said overflow, tube, a series of drain pipesleadin from said dra n valve, and ltieans for se ectively operatmg said,winlet "and drain valves whereby a corresponding supply pipe and drainpipe may be simultaneously opened to the measuring chamber to theexclusion of the other of said pipes for .the purpose specified.

2. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquidsthe combi nation of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valve-in each supply pipefor separately controlling the admission of liquid through each of saidsupply pipes to the measuring chamber, a vertically adjustable overflowtube passing into said chamber, a distributary drainvalve connected withsaid overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading from said drainvalve, an operating spindle to said drain valve, and means carried bysaid spindle for selectively opening said inlet valves whereby acorrespondin may be simu taneously opened to the measuring chamber tothe exclusion of the other of said pipes, for the purpose specified.

3. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquidsthe combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valve in each supply pipefor separately controlling the admission of liquid through each of saidsupply pipes to the measuring chamber, a vertically adjustable overflowtube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valve connectedwith said overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading from said drainvalve,

an operating spindle to the said drain valve, and tappet arms or camsmounted on said spindle and adapted to selectively and independentlyopen said inlet valves according to the circumferential position of saidspin-' dle whereby a corresponding supply pipe and drain pipe may besimultaneously opened to the measuring chamber to the exclusion of theother of said pipes, for the purpose specified.

In apparatus for measuring and dis-' pensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, valve casings interposed in saidsupply pipes, an inlet valve mounted within each of said casings toseparately control the admission of liquid through each of said supplypipes to the measuring cham ber, said inlet valves having sliding stemsprojecting outwardl through said casings, a vertically adjustableoverflow tube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valveconnected with said overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading fromsaid drain lfllVG, and tappet arms or cams mov- -s1on of liquid througheach and means for supply pipe and drain pipe ablewith said drain valveand adapted to engage the outer ends of said sliding valve .stemswhereby said inlet and drain valves may be selectively operated tosiniultaneously open a corresponding supply pipe and drain pipe to themeasuring chamber to the exclusion of the other of said pipes, for thepurpose specified.

5. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquidsthe combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independentliquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valve in eachsupply.

pipe for separately controlling the admisof said supply pipes to themeasuring chamber, a'vertically adjustable overflow tube passing intosaid chamber, a stationary return pipe connected with said-overflow tubewhich is adapted to telescope in relation to said return pipe, :1distributary drain valve connected to the lower end of said return pipe,a series of drain pipes leading from said drain valve, selectivelyoperating said inlet and drain valves whereby a correspond ing supplypipe and drain pipe may be simultaneously opened, to the measuringchamber to the exclusion of the other of said pipes. for the purposespecified.

' 6. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquidsthe combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valve in each supply pipeforseparately controlling the admission of liquid through each of saidsupply pipes to the measuring chamber, a vertically adjustable overflowtube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valve connectedwith said overflow tube, said drain valve comprising a cylindricalcasing having at its top an inlet port connected with said overflowtube, a series of outlet ports to said casing, a drain pipe leading fromeach of said outlet ports, a cylindrical ported valve rotatable Withinsaid casing, a spindle projecting from each end of said cylindricalvalve, and tappet arms or cams carried by opposite end portions of saidspindle to selectively open said inlet valvesin accordance with thecircumferential position of the said cylindrical drain valve, for thepurpose spew ified. I

7. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes to said chamber, an inlet valve in each supply pipe forseparately controlling the admission of liquid through each of the saidsupply pipes to the measuring, chamber. a vertically adjustable overflowtube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valve.

connected with said overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading fromsaid dra n val ill) lllll means for selectively operating said inlet anddrain valves whereby a 'corres onding supply pipe and drain pipe may esimultaneously opened to the measuring chamber to the exclusion of theother of said pipes, and interlocking means adapted to lock said inletand drain valves against operationexcept when the vertically adjustableoverflow tube is at its lowermost position in the measuring chamber, forthe purpose specified.

8. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupplyipipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valve in each supply pipefor separately controlling the admission of liquid through each of saidsupply pipes to the measuring chamber, a vertically adjustable overflowtube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valve connectedwith said overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading from said drainvalve, means for selectively operating said inlet and drain valveswhereby a' corresponding supply pipe and drain pipe may besimultaneously opened to the measuring chamber to the exclus on of theother of said pipes, and interlocking means adapted to lock said inletand drain valves against operation except when the vertically adjustableoverflow tube is at its lowermost position in the measuring chamber,said interlocking means comprising a notched wheel which is adapted to'turn with the distributary drain valve, a vertical stop bar which moveswith the adjustable overflow tube,'and means interposed between saidstop bar and said notched wheel whereby the latter is locked againstrotation except when said bar is in its lowermost position, for thepurpose specified.

9. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valve in each supply pipefor separately controlling the admission of liquid through each of saidsupply pipes to the i'neasnring chamber, a vertically adjustableoverflow tube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valveconnected with said overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading fromsaid drain valve, means for selectively operating said inlet and drainvalves whereby a corresponding" supply pipe and drain pipe may besimultaneously opened to the measuring chamber to the exclusion of theother of said pipes. and interlocking means adapted to lock said inletand drain valves'against operation except when the vertically'adjustableoverflow tube is at its lowermost position in the measuring chamber,said interlocking means comprsinga notched wheel whiclris adaptedto'turn with the distributary drain valve, a vertical stop bar whichmoves with the adjustable overflow tube, afirst locking lever or pawladapted to engage said stop bar, a

second locking lever or pawladapted to engage the notches of said wheel,and means operatively connecting said locking levers whereby saidnotchedwheel is locked against rotation except when said bar 'is in itslowermost position, for the purpose specified.

10. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the comfor selectively operating said inlet and drain valves whereby acorresponding supply pipe and drain pipe may be simultaneously opened tothe measuring chamber to the exclusion of the other of said pipes, andinter-- locking means adapted to lock said inlet and drain valvesagainst operation except when the vertically adjustable overflow tube isat its lowermost position in the measuring chamber, said interlockingmeans com prising a notched wheelwhieh is adapted to turn with. thedistributary drain valve, a vertical stop bar which moves with theadjustable overflow tube, a recess formed in said stop bar adjacent itslower end, a first locking lever or pawl adapted to enter said recesswhen said stop bar is in its lowest position, a second locking lever orpawl adapted to engage the notches of said wheel, and means operativelyconnecting said locking levers whereby said notched wheel is locked.against rotation except when the first locking lever is engaging saidrecess, for the purpose specified.

11. In apparatus for measuring and.dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, an inlet valve in each supply pipefor separately controlling the ad- .mission of liquid through each ofsaid supply pipes to the measuring chamber, a vertically adjustableoverflow tube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valveconnected with said overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading fromsaid drain valve, means for selectively operating said inlet and drainvalves whereby 'a corresponding supply pipe and drain pipe may besimultaneously opened to the measuring chamber to the exclusion of theother of said pipes, and interlocking means adapted to lock said inletand drain .valves against operation except when the "erticallyadjustable overflow tube is at its lowermost position in the measuringchamber, said interlocking means comprising a notched wheel which isadapted to turn with the distributary drain valve,

a vertical stop bar which moves with the adjustable overflow tube, meansinterposed between said stop bar and said notched wheel whereby thelatter is locked against -rotation except when said bar is in itslowermost position, and/a pivoted stop adapted to engage the lower endof said stop bar and to prevent turning of said notched wheel when theoverflow tube is in a raised posi" nns:.ion of liquid through each ofsaid supply pipes to the measuring chamber, a vertically adjustableoverflow tube passing into said chamber, a distributary drain valveconnected with said overflow tube, a series of drain pipes leading'fromsaid drain valve,

means for selectively operating said inlet and drain valves whereby acorresponding supply pipe and drain pipe may be simultaneously opened tothe measuring chamber to the exclusion of the other of said pipes, afloat within said measuring chamber, and

interlocking means controlled b I said float to lock said inlet anddrainva ves against operation except when said float is at its lowestposition within the measuring chamber, for the purpose specified.

13. In apparatus for measuring and disq pensing petrol and otherliquids, the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independentliquid supply pipes passing to sa d chamber, an inlet valve in eachsupply pipe for separately controlling the admission of liquid througheach of said supply pipes to the measuring chamber, a verticallyadjustable overflow tube passing into said ch amher, a distributary'drain valve connected with s'aid overflow tube, a series of drain pipesleading from said drain valve, means for selectively operating saidinlet and drain valve-s whereby a corresponding supply pipe and drainpipe may be simultaneously opened to the measuring chamber to theexclusion of the other of said pipes, a float within the measuringchamber, interlocking means controlled by said float and adapted to locksaid inlet and drain valves against operation except when the overflowtube isat its lowermost position within the measuring chamber, a balancelever connected at one end to said float, and a vertically movins stopmember connectedto the other end of said balance lever whereby thefalling of the float raises said stop memberso as to release theinterlocking means and permit of the operation of said inlet and drainvalves, for the purpose specified.

14. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, an'inlet valve in each supply pipefor separately controlling the admission of liquid through each of saidsupply pipes to the measuring chamber, a vertically agjustableoverflowtube passing into said camber, a distributary drain valve connected withsaid overflow tube, a series of drain gpiples leading from said drainvalve,-

means ft 1, selectively voperating said inlet and drain val-ves'wherebya corresponding supply pipe and drain pipe may be simultaneously openedto the measuring chamber to the exclusion of the other of said pipes,in-

terlocking means adapted to lock said separate inlet and distributarydrain valves against operation except when the vertically a.d ustableoverflow tube is at 1ts lowermost position in the measuring chamber,said interlocking means comprising a notched wheel which is adapted toturn with the dis.- tributary drain valve,- a vertical stop bar whichmoves with the adjustable overflow tube, a recess formed in said stopbar adjacent its lower end, a first locking lever or pawl adapted toenter said recess when said stop bar is in its lowest position, a secondlocking lever or pawl adapted to engage the notches in said wheel, andmeans operatively connecting said locking levers whereby said notchedwheel is locked against rotation ex cept when said stop bar is in itslowermost position, a secondary locking device com prising a verticallymoving stop member arranged beside said stop banand adapted to engagesaid first locking lever or pawl, a balance lever connected tosaidstopmmher, and a float disposed within the measuring chamber andconnected to said balance lever, for the purpose specified.

15. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a vertically adjustable overflowtube slidable within said chamber, araek and pinion foroperating saidtube, it serve or discharge valve controlling 'an outlet from saidmeasuring chamber, and a slidable and rotatable shaft which is adaptedfor rotation to operate said overflow tube and for longitudinal or insaid chamber, a toocned rack connected to and adapted to operate saidoverflow tube,

a serve or discharge valve controlling an cally adjustable overflow tubeslidable with- J engage said outlet from said measuring chamber, aslidable and rotatable shaft associated with said discharge valve andrack, a pinion carried by said shaft and adapted to operate said rackwhen the discharge valve is closed, and a member carried by said shaftand ada ted to open said discharge valve as said siaft is movedlongitudinally todisengage'said pfncilon from said rack, for the purposespec- 1 e 17. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and otherliquids, the combination of a measurin chamber, a vertically adjustableover owtube slidable within said chamber a toothed rack connected to andadapted to operate said overflow tube, a serve or discharge valvecontrolling an outlet from said measuring chamber, a slidable androtatable shaft associated with said discharge valve and rack, a pinioncarried by said shaft and adapted to operate said rack when thedischarge valve is closed, a rod connected with said discharge valve anda cone fitted on said slidable and rotatable shaft, said cone beingadapted to engage one end of said rod whereby the dischar e valve isopened when said shaft is move longitudinally to dispinion fromsaid'rack, for the purpose specified.

18. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the comination ofa measuring chamber, a vertiin said chamber, a rack andpinion for operatlng said tube, a serve or dlscharge valve controllingan outlet from said measuring chamber, and a shaft slidable androtatable within horizontal bearings and fitted with an operating handwheel whereby said shaft is adapted for rotative movement to operatesaid overflow tube and for longitudinal sliding movement within saidbearings to operate said discharge valve, for the purpose specified.

19. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a vertically adjustable overflowtube slidable within said chamber, a serve or discharge valvecontrolling an outlet from said measuring chamber, a vertical barmovable with said overflow tube and provided with vertically spacednotches corres onding to different measuring positions 0 saidtube, apivoted catch adapted to engage said notches, means 7. to preventopeningof said discharge valve,

except whensaid' catch is engaged with one of said notches, a rotatableand sliding shaft, a pinion carried by said shaft, a rack operable bysaid pinionto vertically adjust said overflow tube, means carried bysaid shaft to open said discharge valvewhen said shaft is movedlongitudinally. to disengage said pinion from saidrack, and meanscarried by said shaft to prevent disengagement of said catch from therespective notch of said bar when said shaft is in position to open thedischarge valve for the purpose specified.

20. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a vertically adjustable overflowtube slidable within said chamber, a serve or discharge valvecontrolling an outlet from said measuring chamber, a vertical barmovable with said overflow tube and provided with vertically spacednotches corresponding to different measuring positions of said tube, apivoted catch adapted to engage said notches, means to prevent openingof said discharge valve except when said catch is engaged with one ofsaid notches, a rotatable and sliding shaft, a pinion carried by saidshaft, a rack operable by said pinion to vertically adjust said overflowtube, means carried by said shaft to open said discharge valve when saidshaft is moved longitudinally to disengage said pinion from said rack,and a collar or enlargement carried by said shaft and adapted to engagesaid pivoted catch whereby the latteris retained within the respectivenotch of said bar when thediseharge valve is open, said collar orenlargement being also adapted to prevent longitudinal movement of saidshaft to open the discharge valve except when said catch is engaged withone of said notches, for the purpose specified.

21. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing nation 0 a series ofliquid storage tanks or reservoirs, a measuring chamber, a liquid supplypipe connecting each of sald stora e tanks with said measuring chamber,a drain pipe leading to each ofsaid storage tanks, valve mechanismadapted for selectively placing any one of said storage tanks in petrolandother liquids, the combi- F communication with the common measuringchamber by way of the respective supply and drainpipes of the particularstorage tank, to the exclusion of the other storage tanks, a floatlocated within said measuring chamber and means operated by said floatto prevent manipulation of said valve mechanism except when themeasuring chamber is emptied of liquid, for the purpose speci- 22. Inapparatus for measuring and dismechanism adapted for selectively placingany one of said storage tanks communication with the common measuringchamber by way. of the respective supply and dram pipes of theparticular storage tank to the exclusion of the other storage tanks, afloat located within said measuring chamber, means operated by saidfloat to prevent manipulation of said valve mechanism except when themeasuring chamber is emptied of liquid, a vertically adjustable overflowwhereby said indicating lever is automatically operated as said lloatfalls to its lowest position, for the purpose specified.

23. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber having a serve or dischargevalve, a frame or ca e mounted to swing about a vertical axis withinsaid measuring chamber, a float adapted to rise and fall on said frameor cage, a meter or counter device, a vertical rocking spindle adaptedto actuate said meter or counter or successive rocking movements of saidspindle, a series of vertically spaced pins or studs carried by saidrocking spindle, means carried by said float to engage said studs androck said spindle sidewardly as the float falls during'discharge of theliquid from the measuring chamber by way of said discharge valve, andmeans adapted to automatically swing said frame or cage and said floatbodily about the axis of said frame whereby the float is disposed in aninoperative position relative to said rocking spindle when saiddischarge valve is closed, for the purpose specified.

24. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, having a serve or dischargevalve, a frame or cage mounted to swing about a vertical axis withinsaid measuring chamber, a float adapted to rise and fall on said frameor cage, a meter or counter device, a vertical rocking spindle adaptedto actuate said meter or counter on successive rocking movements of saidspindle, a series of vertically spaced pins or studs carried by saidrocking spindle, means carried by said float to engage said studs androck said spindle sidewardly as the float falls during discharge of theliquid from the measuring chamber by Way of said discharge valve, meansadapted to automatically swing said frame or cage and said float bodilyabout the. axis of said frame whereby the float is disposed in aninoperative position relative to said rocking s indle when saiddischarge valve is close a vertically adjustable overflow tube passinginto said measuring chamber, a slidable and rota-table shaft adapted forrotation to operate said overflow tube and for longitudinal slidingmovement to operate said dischargeyalve, and an operative connectionextendmg between said frame and said shaft whereby movement of thelatter to close the discharge valve automatically swings said frameabout its vertical axis so as to move the float into an inoperativeposition relative to said rocking spindle, for the purpose specified.

25. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, having a serve or dischargevalve, a frame or cage mounted to swing about a vertical axis withinsaid measuring chamber, a float adapted to rise and fall on said frameor cage, 8. meter or counter device, a vertical rocking spindle adaptedto actuate said meter or counter on successive rocking movements of saidspindle, a series of vertically spaced pins or studs ried by said floatto engage said studs and rock said spindle sidewardly as the float fallsduring discharge of the liquid from the measuring chamber by way of saiddischarge valve, means adapted to automaticall swing said frame or cageand said float bodi y about the axis of said frame whereby the float isdisposed in an inoperative position relative to said rocking spindlewhen the discharge valve is closed, a vertically adjustable overflowtube extending into the measuring chamber, a toothed rack attached toand moving vertlcally with said overflow tube, a horizontally slidingand rotatable shaft, a pinion carried by said shaft and engaging saidrack, a cone carried by said shaft, and an operative connectionextending between said frame and said cone, said connection comprising alower spring controlled lever adapted to engage said cone, a verticalrod attached at its lower end to said lever, and an upper arm or leverconnecting the upper end of said rod with said swinging frame or cagesubstantially as and for the purpose speci ed.

26. In apparatus for measuring and dispensmg petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, having a serve or dischargevalve, a frame or cage mounted to swing about a vertical axis withtosaid rocking spindle when said discharge valve is closed, and opositely-inclined fins or projections carried by said float and adaptedto engage the pins on said rocking spindle to thereby rock the latter inopposite directions, as the float falls during the discharge of theliquid from the measuring chamber by way of said discharge valve,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

27. In apparatus for measuring and dispensing petrol and other liquids,the combination of a measuring chamber, a series of independent liquidsupply pipes passing to said chamber, aninlet valve separatelyeontrolling the admission of liquid through each of said supply pipes tothe measuring cham- -uring chamber to the exclusion of the other of saidpipes, and a small return tube connecting the upper part of each liquidsupply pipe with the corresponding drain pipe, substantially as and forthe purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

LOUIS HENRI PIETZSCH.

